City Council reviews status of Apex officer training simulator amid restructuring concerns

The Baldwin Park City Council meeting on May 7, 2025, focused on the status update of the Apex officer pro training simulator, a virtual reality tool designed to enhance police training. The council received a staff report recommending that the report be filed, prompting a series of clarifying questions from council members.

Chief of Police provided insights into the simulator's costs and the training process. The total expenditure for the simulator was reported at $198,817, which includes equipment and additional consulting services. This figure raised questions regarding the initial cost presented in a previous meeting, which was approximately $76,623 for the equipment alone.

The discussion highlighted delays in implementing the training due to the completion of a mandatory post-perishable skills program (PSP). The Chief noted that around 80% of officers had completed this training, but it was conducted using a separate mobile application rather than the Apex simulator.

Concerns were raised about the unexpected restructuring of Apex, which is now under the parent company GovRed Technology. This restructuring has reportedly limited Apex's offerings and support, although the company remains operational. The Chief confirmed that the simulator had been updated as part of the program, but only seven recently hired officers had utilized it as of April 2025.

The council expressed disappointment over the slow rollout of the training, especially given the initial enthusiasm for the program. The Chief assured the council that two officers would soon take on the role of trainers for the simulator, aiming to expedite the training process for the rest of the department.

The meeting underscored the challenges faced in implementing new training technologies and the importance of ensuring that officers receive timely and effective training. The council will continue to monitor the situation as the department works to integrate the Apex simulator into its training regimen.